Rinyirru National Park – Hann Crossing Campground

13 – 16 August 2024

We set off from Hann River Roadhouse, confident we had enough battery power to get us through the next few nights. We stopped again to search for the Red Goshawk and then stopped at the lagoon on the Nifold Plain, within the National Park. While there we ran into our birding friend who we had arranged to meet at the campground. Of course the two birders shared stories before we continued on to set up camp.

We had booked our site, in advance as required, and were very happy with what we found there. We had a very large, open site, but with some shade, right on the river. We positioned the camper trailer to take advantage of the shade, but where we could also set up the solar panels.

As expected, it was hot, and there were flies, but nothing we couldn’t handle. It is such a peaceful spot, with neighbours far enough away that we couldn’t hear them most of the time, and we could only see them from the very back corner of our site. We were also far enough away from the access road to the other campsites that we weren’t troubled by traffic.

We settled in for a relaxing few days which included a couple of birding excursions, as well as visits with Paula who was camped across the river. We drove over to her camp late one afternoon and so she and Mick could do some night birding. 

Sunrise over the Hann River - simply stunning.
It was worth getting up in the dark
just to watch the sun come up.

Because Mick wanted one more try to get to perfect Goshawk photograph, we packed up and left very early on our final morning before continuing our further north. At least we didn't need to worry about disturbing the neighbours so early.

We stopped at the Goshawk spot then continued on to the Peninsula Development Road and a short stop at Musgrave Station Roadhouse.

 

Hann River Roadhouse

12 – 13 August 2024

Because of some issues with our 12volt system we decided that we should return to the Hann River Roadhouse where they have powered sites. One night on power would get the batteries fully charged again, which would allow us to spend the three nights we had planned back in Rinyirru National Park. Musgrave Station Roadhouse was closer but they don’t have powered sites.

We made the most of the drive – Mick searched, successfully, for the Red Goshawk he had been told about. We made a quick stop at Musgrave and then continued south to Hann River Roadhouse.The campground is quite spacious and even has some green grass. It is, as its name suggests, on the Hann River.

Definitely no swmming in the Hann River

The roadhouse caters to all kinds of travellers, including the road crew working on the bridge over the river nearby. Even though the season was drawing to an end, there were still plenty of travellers heading north to the Cape. We would be among them once we finished our stay in the National Park.